Firsts for the F-35 Lightning Community

🔥 History in the skies. An RAF F-35 just scored its first air-to-air victory —taking down a Shahed drone. This was only the beginning. In this video, a Royal Air Force F-35 Lightning II launches an air-to-air missile and destroys a Shahed one-way drone. It marks a first for the RAF and highlights how stealth fighters are now central to modern drone defense. Earlier today, a Yak-130 - capable of carrying air-to-air missiles - was flying in defense of the capital city. An IAF F-35 engaged the Yak not with a missile, but with its internal 25mm rotary cannon. In the footage, you can see smoke trailing behind the jet—evidence of rounds expended at close range. My Israeli Air Force friends tell me they often prefer cannon over missile in certain situations. 25mm rounds cannot be spoofed by countermeasures. Its instant feedback. And at close range, decisive. This YAK-130 engagement marks the first confirmed jet-versus-jet victory for the JSF. That is a milestone in modern history. For veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement, and firefighters—you understand training, discipline, and split-second decisions under pressure. This is fifth-generation airpower in action: stealth, sensors, speed, and precision. Subscribe for more combat breakdowns, air-to-air engagements, drone warfare analysis, and real-world military aviation insight. #aviation #avgeek #military #airforce #army #navy #usmc #pilot #pilotlife #flight #flying #fly #aircraft #airplane #plane #jet #airport #photo #photography #video #videoviral #viralvideos #lessonsfromthecockpit #podcast #show #takeoff #drone